Jarome Luai has agreed to join the NRL’s expansion franchise PNG Chiefs on what is expected to be a three-year deal from 2028.
The Wests Tigers co-captain informed his teammates of the move when he arrived for training on Tuesday and is expected to front the media to explain his decision on Wednesday.
The signature of the playmaker, a four-time premiership winner with Penrith, is a huge coup for the Chiefs, giving them a marquee player they can build their roster around.
It is a clear statement to the rest of the rugby league world that the fledgling franchise has huge ambition and will a force to be reckoned with in the player market.
On a landmark day for the Chiefs, the new club also secured South Sydney winger Alex Johnston.
The record-breaking Rabbitoh was contracted to the club until the end of next year, but a clause in his deal allowed him to negotiate with the Chiefs at any time of his choosing.
Luai’s presence at the Tigers was critical in the joint-venture club attracting and retaining other big names, and he is sure to prove a major drawcard for Chiefs coach Willie Peters’ team when it comes to recruitment.
The 29-year-old will also bring immense value to the club in a marketing capacity. On top of being able to offer tax-free salaries under a deal between the Australian and PNG governments, Luai’s high profile is likely to make it easier for the Chiefs to attract third-party sponsorship deals, which will also be tax-exempt.
Luai’s five-year Tigers contract, which ran until 2029, contained a clause in his favour that allowed him to renew on an annual basis. Luai will trigger the option to stay at the Tigers next year, meaning he is committed for the remainder of this season and 2027. He will then switch to the Chiefs.
Given he was on a salary of $1.2 million at the Tigers, Luai will take home an additional $1 million over the 2028 and 2029 seasons at PNG if, as reported, his new contract is for a similar amount. Luai is also likely to be the inaugural Chiefs captain.
Luai’s decision is a huge blow to a Tigers outfit that has rocketed into a share of second spot on the ladder under coach Benji Marshall.
Luai spent the weekend in Papua New Guinea, meeting with Prime Minister James Marape and senior club officials.
“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” Marape told local media. “It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
Luai flew to PNG and back on a private jet with his family, touching down in Sydney on Monday evening to a media scrum.
Meanwhile, Johnston has agreed to a one-year deal with the incoming franchise. The 31-year-old, who has PNG heritage and has represented the Kumuls at international level, informed his teammates of the decision on Tuesday morning.
However, Chiefs officials were unhappy with Johnson’s camp after the news was leaked before Luai’s signing was ratified, with Luai supposed to have been trumpeted as the club’s No.1 recruit.
